Mocăniță

A Mocăniță is a narrow-gauge railway, primarily a heritage railway, found in Romania. The term is derived from mocan, a Romanian term referring to shepherds and inhabitants of mountainous regions, where these railways were historically prevalent. These railways were originally built for industrial purposes, mainly for transporting wood from remote forests to sawmills. Some were also used for passenger transport, connecting isolated communities to larger towns and cities.

The characteristic feature of a Mocăniță is its narrow gauge, typically 760 mm (2 ft 5 15⁄16 in). This narrow gauge allowed for tighter curves and steeper gradients compared to standard-gauge railways, making them suitable for navigating the mountainous terrain.

Following the decline of industrial activity and the improvement of road infrastructure, many Mocăniță lines were abandoned. However, several lines have been preserved and restored as tourist attractions, offering scenic rides through the Romanian countryside. These restored lines are a testament to Romania's industrial heritage and offer a glimpse into the past. Popular restored Mocăniță lines include those in the Vaser Valley (Maramureș), Sovata (Mureș County), and Abrud (Alba County).